Man with fake ‘sheriff’ car also had handcuffs and leg shackles, NC sheriff says

A 73-year-old “convicted felon” has been arrested again, after tips revealed he had a car doctored to look like a law enforcement vehicle, according to investigators in western North Carolina.

The discovery was made May 12 at the home of Wayne Leslie Briggs in Murphy, where deputies also found handcuffs and leg shackles, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

“The investigation began after the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received citizen complaints regarding social media posts depicting (the suspect) operating a black 2023 Chrysler 300 Touring that allegedly displayed several items commonly associated with law enforcement,” the sheriff’s office reported.

“According to investigators, the vehicle displayed a K9 decal on the trunk, seat covers bearing the word ‘Sheriff’ that were visible from outside the vehicle, and a badge positioned on the dashboard.”

One tip included a license plate number for the vehicle, which led deputies to the suspect’s home, officials said

The Chrysler was discovered on the property, along with “several firearms, a set of handcuffs, a set of leg shackles and a police badge,” officials said.

Briggs was charged with operating a vehicle resembling law enforcement vehicle, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, officials said. His prior conviction involved a sex offense with a minor, and Briggs was sentenced to two years in prison in 1989, according to court documents.

Murphy is about a 225-mile drive west from uptown Charlotte.

This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 10:25 AM with the headline "Man with fake ‘sheriff’ car also had handcuffs and leg shackles, NC sheriff says."